Abstract

Composite materials play a very relevant role in various sectors, thanks to the lightweighting they can accomplish. Their implementation has been steadily increasing in recent decades, accompanied by the development of processes and equipment that facilitate and optimize their implementation. Spain is one of the leading European countries in the implementation of these materials and technologies, with leading companies and research centers both in terms of application and technological innovation, which continue to work on expanding the use of composites and advancing their sustainability.

Abstract

In recent years, the railway sector has been demanding lighter, high-responsibility components made from composites due to the incorporation of new technologies to improve passenger comfort and experience, as well as to address new environmental challenges (reducing emissions, energy consumption, increasing capacity, etc.). With this objective, Talgo introduces a high-performance composite bogie frame (CFRP) for very high-speed trains, traditionally made of metal (steel), which allows for weight reductions of over 30%. Additionally, this new bogie leverages the fatigue properties of these materials to incorporate the first stage of suspension into the frame itself. The reduction of bogie elements, as well as infusion manufacturing, improves competitiveness throughout the lifecycle compared to a traditional bogie, complying with the EN-45545-2 HL2 standards for fire, smoke, and toxicity. The project for this lightweight frame will be completed with manufacturing and bench testing in accordance with EN 13749 standards, as well as ballistic impact tests with ballast stones.